Bees in Hawaii: Spotting Guide and Best Places to Start
Bees are widespread across Hawaii. You'll find them in gardens, along trails, and near flowering trees. Start your search in sunny spots with native plants like ohia lehua. Most sightings occur year-round, with higher activity in summer and after rains.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated June 28, 2026.
Emerald Small Carpenter · Public domain CC0
Valley Carpenter Bee · Public domain CC0
Valley Carpenter Bee · Shaun Case CC BY
- 8
- species recorded
- 0
- GBIF records
- November, April, March
- peak months
Bees aren't established in Hawaii, so you might be wondering:
Verified species, source iNaturalist
12 types of bees recorded in Hawaii
12 bee species have a verified observation record in Hawaii across bees (clade Anthophila), each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The full list, ranked by how often each is recorded, is below.
9 of the 12 shown are recorded as introduced to Hawaii rather than native, and 3 are endemic to Hawaii, found here and effectively nowhere else.
1
2- 3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Plus 27 more recorded only rarely (fewer than 10 verified sightings). Counts from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
3,784 verified observations on iNaturalist of bee have been recorded in Hawaii, most often in November, April, March.
When bee are recorded in Hawaii
Bees are widespread across Hawaii. You'll find them in gardens, along trails, and near flowering trees. Start your search in sunny spots with native plants like ohia lehua. Most sightings occur year-round, with higher activity in summer and after rains.
Where are people most likely to notice bees in Hawaii?
Bees thrive in Hawaii's diverse habitats. Check gardens, parks, and coastal scrublands. The best odds are near flowering plants in full sun. Native yellow-faced bees are often seen on native shrubs, while honey bees frequent introduced flowers. For more on Hawaii's wildlife, visit ourwildlife hub.
In Hawaii, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
What season or weather patterns help with bee spotting?
Bees are active year-round in Hawaii, but you'll see more during the warmer months (May to October). After a rain, flowers produce more nectar, drawing bees out. Early morning and late afternoon are peak foraging times. Overcast days can also be good as bees are less heat-stressed.
How can you tell a bee from a wasp or fly?
Bees are hairy, useful, and have flat hind legs for carrying pollen. Wasps are smooth with a narrow waist and longer legs. Flies have only one pair of wings and large eyes. For a deeper dive into bee identification, see ourbee page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What types of bees can you find in Hawaii?
Hawaii has over 60 species of native yellow-faced bees (Hylaeus), plus introduced honey bees and carpenter bees. The yellow-faced bees are small, black, and mostly hairless, often with yellow or white facial markings. Honey bees are larger with golden stripes. Carpenter bees are big and black or greenish. For other wildlife spotting tips, check out ourbat guide.
Are bees in Hawaii dangerous?
Most Hawaii bees are not aggressive. Honey bees will sting if provoked but are generally docile. Native yellow-faced bees are solitary and rarely sting. If you're allergic, keep an epinephrine pen handy. Otherwise, enjoy watching them from a safe distance.
What flowers attract bees in Hawaii?
Native plants like ohia lehua, naupaka, and ilima are excellent. Introduced flowers like plumeria, hibiscus, and lantana also draw bees. Plant a variety to support pollinators. For more on bee-friendly gardens, see ourbee page.
Planning Your Bee Watching Trip to Hawaii
Before you head out, consider the best locations and timing. Use the tool below to find accommodations near prime bee habitats.
Check oursticker collectionto show your support for pollinators.
What gear or gifts do fellow bee watchers recommend?
If you want to celebrate your bee sightings, here are some items our readers enjoy:
Honey Bee in Flight Women's T-Shirt
The noble honey bee flying up to a flower will help remind you how valuable they are to our ecosystem. Protect the bees!Check Price and Availability
Custom Embroidery Bee Baseball Cap
A stylish cap with embroidered bee detail, perfect for wearing during your outdoor bee watching.Check Price and Availability
Let It Bee Honey Bee Graphic Tee
A casual tee with a fun bee graphic, ideal for casual wear.Check Price and Availability
Honey Bee Tumbler Wrap Laser Svg 20oz Laser Engraved Honeycomb Tumbler Wrap Floral 20 oz Tumbler Laser File Svg Design Laser Engraving Svg
A strong match for this wildlife page and an easy next click after the guide.Check Price and Availability
Frequently Asked Questions about Bees in Hawaii
Q: Are there honey bees in Hawaii? A: Yes, honey bees were introduced and are now common throughout the islands.
Q: Can you keep bees in Hawaii? A: Yes, but regulations apply. Contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for permits.
Q: What is the rarest bee in Hawaii? A: Several native yellow-faced bees are endangered, such as Hylaeus anthracinus.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Plan your trip
Best time to see bee in Hawaii: November, April, March
See the month-by-month sighting calendar.
Plan your bee sighting in Hawaii
There are no verified bee records for Hawaii, which fits how uncommon they are here. See the GBIF records.
Where to look in Hawaii
- Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park · Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching · Find hotels
- Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site · Wildlife Watching · Find hotels
- Haleakalā National Park · Find hotels
Frequently asked questions
What bee species live in Hawaii?+
Bees thrive in Hawaii's diverse habitats. Check gardens, parks, and coastal scrublands. The best odds are near flowering plants in full sun. Native yellow-faced bees are often seen on native shrubs, while honey bees frequent introduced flowers. For more on Hawaii's wildlife, visit ourwildlife hub. In Hawaii, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
Where can you see bees in Hawaii?+
Bees thrive in Hawaii's diverse habitats. Check gardens, parks, and coastal scrublands. The best odds are near flowering plants in full sun. Native yellow-faced bees are often seen on native shrubs, while honey bees frequent introduced flowers. For more on Hawaii's wildlife, visit ourwildlife hub. In Hawaii, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.
When is the best time to see bees in Hawaii?+
Bees thrive in Hawaii's diverse habitats. Check gardens, parks, and coastal scrublands. The best odds are near flowering plants in full sun. Native yellow-faced bees are often seen on native shrubs, while honey bees frequent introduced flowers. For more on Hawaii's wildlife, visit ourwildlife hub. In Hawaii, bees sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where people are most likely to notice them. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.